Pimp My Venue: Ways to keep your Security Deposit.

Yup its that time when I find cool stuff for your wedding venue. Most budget brides don't have top choice in venues: "Honey, the least expensive venue will have to do." So I wanted to help with the four white walls closing in dilemma by giving tips, writing about sites and products that will help create a magical ambiance for your guest to enjoy. Who says you must have celeb moola to have a great party? Not me! Grab your wallet and get Ur reading glass cus I want to pimp your venue! And Yes the word pimp is a salute to my love of Hip Hop...shoot me. I have noticed a disturbing trend in wedding venues....People will not let you stick anything on their walls, nor use candles, rose petals or anything i dont know wedding like? I mean why would anyone want to use any of that stuff at their wedding? I mean really. These rules are in every Historic House, Museum, Community Center, Hall, where ever. I understand that there are idiots that can't hold a candle with out burning something...but really no rose petals? Well, when something pisses me off enough I find a solution! So here I go, cool ways to decorate with out the use of glue, open flame, rose petals, glue, nails tacks, or anything else like that on property that isnt your own. First stop is Nettleton Hollow. What is Nettleton Hollow? Your secret to designing like a pro! Have you ever looked at a wedding magazine and think I could do that if only I had the right stuff?! Well if your dream is to a vivid and bold centerpieces them this is where you get you pieces. Make everything, your chuppa to simple extra touches in your floral displays. I love the idea of putting some wood on your table with a display of flowers and being done. I love their blog which you can find when you look on their page: http://www.nettletonhollow.com/index.html Awesome art from Nettleton Hollow! Next Stop is Glimmers INC. I love Glimmers! Lets say you have a wedding venue and the rules are you cant use candles or open flame but you still want some light and dazzle. Just add my favorite product Star Lights! They are water proof so you can add them into champagne glasses for a little dazzle on your wedding day. You can add them into your flower displays and then turn down the lights for a cool glow. or you can float them in fountains where ever really! they last for 12+ hours and they are only $36 for 12! http://www.glimmersinc.com/index.html gotta love Glimmers! Also LED lights are an awesome alternative to candlelight! Save On Crafts is a great site that has tons of special lights for events. You can have a well lit reception without even touching a candle! This is a great site period. Check out some of their wedding inspiration. You can have centerpieces like this too! Look for the Winter Spray 20 LED Bendable Light Branches (96 for only $55.60) :

Dont feel bummed about the no rose petal rule! Try looking up! If you are getting married in a woodsy area, try putting ribbons with your wedding colors in the trees. Or try putting strings of beads in the trees. when the sunlight touches them it will be dazzling! Also try Aisle runners for indoor weddings. Or you could put a flower display on columns and line them down the aisle. Like this one shown here. The flowers are the beautiful artwork of Starbright Floral Design in Newyork. Check Starbright Floral Design out : http://www.starflor.com/index.html Also try to use tons of indoors plants lined with Christmas lights. Table cloths in your wedding colors will also make your wedding venue hot. Looking for a bold standout dramatic piece? Try a crystal tree! Yes you have heard of a wishing tree now check out crystal trees! Cristalier's crystals are perfect for your wedding. Use all crystals or add flowers, dolls, strings of beads or anything you want. Check out this video from Cristalier on You Tube! Check them out: www.cristalier.com/ Can't throw rice or rose petals? Well give your guest another way to send you off! Ecoparti has your covered. Try Ecofetti, biodegradable and water soluble confetti! Pick your favorite colors and have a ball! When the party is over just add water! I love the pastels but they also have vibrant colors! Check them out: http://www.ecoparti.com/toec.html You can also use noise makers, doves, or butterflies too! So there you have it. i'm tired, love ya!

Wedding TV! Yah!

I love TV its no secret, I will sit with the hubby and just tune out. My Favorite TV shows? Wedding TV shows! So cus I love my readers I am sharing my potato ways with them!

Cool vids on YouTube :

Wedding Tips:

From a cool news station

From GrooveGroom.com, an awesome site for grooms to talk wedding!

Before I started my blog, I watched alot of brideorama tv! I am a huge fan of brideorama! Its a super cool site!

Here are some of the real weddings that touched me.

Lydia & Zach's wedding. Hands down one of the most creative affordable wedding ever.

Felica & Ernest's destination wedding

Kelley &Don's cool funny wedding.

Jeni &Norman's unique and beautiful wedding. i love the crafty rings!

Heather and Yaron Fun Jewish Wedding!

Megan & Greg 's big wedding. What can I say she looked super cute!

Last but not least, Gwen & Jonas's sunny wedding.

Fancy Shamacy! Red Carpet Edition.

Diamonds Darling!

I was doing my internet jog when I found this cool site: Bling Yourself INC.

Celebs borrow jewelry all the time...yea alot own really beautiful pieces but they borrow too!

So why cant you score some jewelry for your special day?! Bling Yourself has all of the well known designers Christian Dior, David Yurman, Fendi, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Cartier, Dolce &Gabanna, Omega the list goes on at affordable prices for RENT. Image wearing thousands of dollars in diamonds darling for the price of $100 or below on your special day. Just be honest, give it back and thats it. Check them Out: https://www.blingyourself.com/index.php?osCsid=23hnrg36rcbphr6ggq3r3137k3

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET!

Pull out the red carpet literally with Red Carpet Runway! Have your Guest jaws drop at your event when you walk down the aisle on a red carpet or have them take pictures at your personalized backdrop with of course your red carpet at their feet. Have a monogram even better they will make your event shine, Dahling! take a look: http://redcarpetrunway.com/

A STAR IS BORN!

Want a celeb dress just like Eva? Eva Longoria is totally hot but she rocked this dress at the 63rd Annual Golden Globes Awards. She is such a style icon. Anywho, budget brides cant afford the real thing BUT get the inspired version at Coco Myles for only $145! Red isnt your wedding color, cool pick your color here too. "Coco Myles knows that it's both more fun and exciting to wear a beautiful new dress if you can design it. We think that today’s young women are savvy when it comes to both fashion and technology and are more than capable of designing their own stunning dresses for any occasion. " I covet this site for its unique idea and cool style. Check it out :http://www.cocomyles.com/?p=home

Pour the Bub!

An Alist inspired party wouldn't be anything without the fancy drinks. Dont have enuff for champagne from France? Try Sparkling Wines like prosecco and cavas or rose bruts!

Here are some cool and affordable drinks:

1. Blanc de Noirs ($15-$22)- Its pink and yummy. enuff said.

2. Schramsberg Blanc de Noir Brut 2004- ok its pink too....lol.

3. Mumm's Napa sparkling wines ($14 to $20)- a classic.

4. Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs ($11-$17)

5. Cristalino Brut Cava ($7-$9)

6. Veuve du Vernay Brut ($9-11)

7. Anything Argyle sparkling wine....trust me its good.

Eat A Grand Cake!

AH yes the cake. The traditional centerpiece of weddings everywhere. Donald Trump has really good taste down to his cake. A grand five tier confection with handmade petals and gold sugar fondant icing is the only way to go...unless you are a bride on a budget. So how do you get the envy of your friends and fam and still save your wallet a brutal beat down? By faking it! Yes Fake it to Make it!

HERE ARE YOUR CHOICES:

1. Have a bakery fake a cake using frosting covered Styrofoam. then cut sheet cakes in the back.

2. Buy three small gourmet cakes from a bakery put them on tiers and cut a sheet cake in the back.

3. Do a me and have lots of cupcakes. buy some and make some.

4. Get a mini cakes (which can be pricey if done per plate) my way would be to buy a small cake of 8 to 14 slices and put on on each table which will double as a centerpiece.

5. Have no cake and do another dessert like pie, cookies,brownies, cobbler etc.

A Date To Go Down In History! Once again Ann's Bridal Bargains to the rescue! The Classic Frame is the only way to go for invites. "Three bands of pearl foil and two embossed panels create an elegant, classic frame on this natural white invitation.(Folded size: 5 1/8" x 7 1/4")" Invites $82 for 100. Outer Envelope with Printed Return Address for Invitation $21.00 for 100. Music to My Ears! The best music for a red carpet event is jazz, classical and a pop mix. Mozart, Bach, Cassandra Wilson, Frank Sinatra, Sade, Seal, U2, Joss Stone, Norah Jones and Christina Aguileria.

Bon Voyage, Dahling!

Go to the church or ceremony location in your car and leave your reception in a limo.

Underthings and the joy they bring...

I love cool under things. Why? Cus its like what your momma says "Honey, always wear clean underwear. If you end up in the hospital you dont want doctors to see you with holes in your undies." Same thing on your honeymoon, ladies. Trust me holes, granny panties, dirty, old saggy waist band or too tight are not sexy. So you know about the hot spots that are legendary but I have found some new affordable sites and stores to make sure sexy never leaves. Here we Go!

First Nice, Pretty AND Sweet!

gplingerie is a really cute lingerie boutique on etsy...yea i'm loving etsy Anywho, I adore the Polly Gingham skirted briefs its super cute with just a dash of sexy! Only $29.00!

Check Em out : http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5740181

Ladies....we like boxers its true yea boxer briefs are close but the cigar goes to boxers. We like the way it looks on our dudes so why should the fun end there? Meet Foxers, boxers for women.

"FOXERS designer April Spring wore soft cotton boxers on warm evenings as loungewear. The comfort of the cotton and the soft waistband made them ideal. In addition, there is something very sexy about a woman borrowing just the right item from her beau’s closet." Take a look:

http://www.foxersboxers.com/catalog/index.php

Cus compromise and settling are two different words. Get what you like for your wedding night. From the Ice Blue Collection: Boy Short White/White[A6002-07-26] "These boy shorts hug your cheeks and make your tush look sweet." 92% Cotton, 8% Spandex. FOXER top made from 100% cotton. Machine Wash. Imported. Price: $24.00

i LOVE the pinstripe. Its boy meets girl funk!

After 5 Collection: Boy Short BlackStr/Pinstripes[A6002-07-01] $24.00!

92% Cotton, 8% Spandex. FOXER top made from 100% cotton. Machine Wash. Imported.

Next Stop is Topshop USA: Why do I love Topshop? Cus its High End Euro Fashion meets budget savy prices. I really love the details they put into their lingerie. Some of my favorites are Silky Ruffle French Knicker (item: 43S24TNAV) for only $16.00! The matching Bra, Silky Ruffle Padded Bra (item: 43S22TNAV) only $32.00! plus they have more cute and high quality lingerie for less in other fabrics too! Check it out: http://www.topshop.com/

Marygreen has some of the most original, beautiful, classy and environmentally sound lingerie on the planet. " Mary Green’s internationally recognized lingerie firm specializes in silk undergarments combining the beauty of the finest Chinese silk with her own creativity and design sense, a blending that has become her hallmark. The firm also reflects her highly-toned sense of community and global responsibility and is committed to sustainable practices benefiting its workers, the community and the environment. " These are some of my favorite pieces from her line: All of these hip huggers are only $23. 25, super cute to chill in b4 the wedding and while on the honeymoon! http://www.marygreen.com/

On The Inside lingerie Is really cute , comfortable and affordable. Elise does custom orders and its really affordable. I'm loving it! The Forget Me Not Panties ($19.00) and The Sassafrass Camisole ($35)are super cute and come in other colors. The Blazing Star Nightie is $65 and beautiful. check her out : http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5298883 Finally Smart &Sexy I love this brand its super affordable, located everywhere almost ( http://www.walmart.com/) and really pretty. You can buy a bra and pantie set for just $9.98 or $14.00 if you are a little more curvy! Either way, It a great value plus Smart & Sexy gives a donation of every green item sold to an organization that helps the environment."Smart & Sexy women care about their surroundings! This is why for every green colored garment sold, Smart & Sexy™ will make a donation to an organization that supports the environment. We care what you think - check our “We Support You” section to learn more about how you can vote for which environmental organization we should donate to first!" Cant go wrong here! SCORE! MORE SWEET SUGAR SITES: Victoria Secret is legendary for its amazing lingerie and affordability. This is a great place to get your bridal candy. http://www.victoriassecret.com/ Figleaves.com This site has a tons of lingerie at every price point and size. yummy! http://www.figleaves.com/ Anthropologie Know for their amazing dress and keen eye for detail, this shop is simply awesome. Home knits meets Haute Couture style can be pricey but Anthropologie's undies are a must have delight at for a cool price. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/index.jsp Forever 21 The prices are unbeatable. $3.80 for some underwear! Plus super pretty its a budget gals foundation! http://www.forever21.com/ Naughty... Here are some sites and pages that are kind of naugthy. Lingerie made to make your beloved blush ...scarlet! LolaLovesYou Also on etsy.com, LolaLovesYou has something for every one I love the fact that she has something in every price range too. Her lingerie is vintage with homemade touches and its super sexy in a classy way. I love this teddy. Its called Crazy About You Teddy and its only $22! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6120900 This gown has just that old Hollywood fashion that was too sexy to resist. The Goddess Gown is $62.00 If you are looking for something a little more provocative, ladramaqueen is your boutique! Not for the timid, shy, or bashful, ladramaqueen's lingerie gives you that sexpot look as soon as you put it on. My Favs? The sexy rompers, of course cus they are just enuff skin to get attention but enuff coverage to feel comfortable. Black one $55.00 and the white one $ 60.00 check em out: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5570771 When Wonderbra and the super hot Playboy goddess, Burlesque performer and model Dita Von Teese get together it can only mean trouble. This line of lingerie is on fire. Not only does Dita get it right on the money folks, she does it affordable which is hard task for alot of celebrity lines. I am in love with the Multi Teese Sequin Bow Thong ( only $25!) and its crazy bra Multi Tees Sequin Bow Push Up Bra ($61.30) Check out more of the collection at http://www.asos.com/ MORE NAUGHTY SITES: Ruby Boudoir- Most of the lingerie is pricey but you can find some really beautiful babydolls for $35! Bonus- Plus size lingerie! http://www.rubyboudoir.com/ Fredericks of Hollywood- Legendary known for its affordable lust worthy gems this is one of the ultimate go tos! Pro? There is one almost everywhere! http://www.fredericks.com/?Xvp=WML9HTR02Home Truly Fallen.com Handmade pasties and More! enuff said.lol. Honestly, these are the prettiest boob covers I have ever seen. Check it out : http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=51893 That's all for now , folks cant get any hotter or i would be banned but happy honeymooning folks! Love ya

Ask The Expert: Carolyn Holden of Pretty Faces INC

Sometimes you need to ask an expert....someone who has worked weddings before and knows whats going on in the wedding world. Today I have an interview with Carolyn Holden, a lovely, talented, simply cool Celebrity Makeup Artist/ Digital Photographer. " Located in Washington, D.C, Carolyn Edwards Holden is a Professional Freelance Celebrity Make-up Artist who brings faces to life! She has been involved in the make-up/fashion industry for the past 10 years. Carolyn was first introduced to the fashion industry working as a model. She quickly discovered that her real passion was for the art of makeup. Her specialty includes flamboyant makeovers that add personality to photography and film. She has an extensive portfolio in glamour, airbrush and trendy make-up used for FASHION, PRINT, RUNWAY, PORTRAIT, MUSIC VIDEOS and WEDDINGS. She is also involved in Model Portfolio Development, where she acts as make-up artist, stylist and photographer for aspiring models."

Ask The Expert: Thank you for giving some of your time. I really appreciate it. How long have you been in the Bridal beauty biz? When you say been in bridal business what do you mean? Like doing weddings I been doing wedding since 2002 when I started my own makeup business. What made you join or when did you know when you found your calling? I always been into fashion, LOVE everything about it. One day I started playing in makeup to copy looks I see in magazine and here I am. How many weddings/events have you done? Hmmm too many to count. I sometimes have a wedding to do every weekend. What type of cosmetic brands do you use? MAC, Lancome, Bobbi Brown. To be honest a little bit of every line. Have you worked with any celebrities? Of Course, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Samantha Harris, Robin Thicke, Cherry Dennis. When getting married whats the most important thing to do, beauty wise? If you can get a nice facial and body massage before of the day of wedding to relax. When should a bride schedule her first makeup appointment? As soon as possible. What budget tips can you give brides out there who wish to save money? Shop around Are there certain colors to avoid? Are there certain colors that look great on everyone? I believe in a person wearing the color, don't let the color wear you. I know airbrushing is the latest trend. What is Airbrushing and is it necessary? Airbrushing is basically makeup airbrushed onto face or body. Is is necessary to me no because I apply makeup on just as light and natural.

How much does it cost? What are your rates and how can someone get in touch with you? Feel free to contact me for rates www.myprettyfaces.com Have any advice to give future brides about their wedding day? Take one day @ a time, hire a coordinator/or friend if you feel you need help planning. Once again thank you and take care. Pics Courtesy of http://www.myprettyfaces.com/

Hidden Treasures in Georgetown part 3

Welcome back to my segment of Hidden Treasures of... I have been writing about Georgetown because its amazing. Every where you go there is a shop and a restaurant at every corner. The folks here are really into their health here and it has tons of shops that can used for bridal needs.

Today I'm writing about a shop in Georgetown Park Mall. I really need to check out the whole town but this chocolate shop is really really cool. Truffles Belgian Chocolates candies are made in Switzerland and Fed EXed over night so they are always fresh. With lots of cool yummy favors to chose from you cant lose. Some of my favorites are Divine Red Calvados Praline ( A red heart shaped chocolate.) which is a white chocolate shell coated with red-tinted cocoa butter enveloping an apple liqueur center , Passion Fruit Truffles which I thought was super cool and unique favor for truffles. It is made of white chocolate truffle filling and dusted with powdered sugar, Raspberry Heart Praline ( another heart shaped chocolate) which is White creamy chocolate over layered raspberry dark chocolate filling. All truffles are $2.00 ea. Truffles Belgian Chocolates also has traditional chocolate strawberries. Say you saw them on my blog and you can get $2.00 ea instead of the regular $3 ea. just ask for the store owner she is super nice! One of the coolest things here are the chocolate miniature buildings of the Washington Monuments. They feature all five in choices of white, dark and milk chocolate for $4.95 ea. They make great favors. Speaking of wedding favors at Truffles they can make favors for a $1.00! Want to learn more : http://www.trufflesgeorgetown.com/index.html

Fall is HERE!

Fall is here!!! Fall is Here!!! did I mention that Fall is here? Cus It is! I'm happy cus it is a very good season for me. So much important stuff happened in fall. I got engaged in the fall. I was born in the fall. and...What does that have to do with you? Nothing, But today's topic is fall. Spring and Summer are obviously great seasons to host your wedding but Fall and even Winter are great too! Colder yes but the colors of Fall are kind of hard to beat. So in the Fall spirit I have did another Information Board! Ann's Bridal Bargains I'm really starting to like this Ann lady. The beautiful invites cost only $65 for 100. Outer Envelope with Printed Return Address for Invitation only $21 for 100. Awesome! Keep your fall wedding theme and surprise your groom with this PetereneDesign ( Yup, another etsy store) fall garter set for only $25! You get the throw garter And the showcase garter together! Adding pumpkins, Autumn leaves and matching rose petals are a great way to incorporate your fall theme into your wedding. Here the super cool people of Charming Events turned little pumpkins into place cards. Super cool! Check them out: http://www.weddingdecorator.net/index.htm Hosting a Masquerade wedding is a fun way to have a Halloween/fall wedding. Tell everyone they must wear masks/Halloween costumes at the reception and have fun from there. They look great! This pic is from Inside Weddings. http://insideweddings.com/ This stunner from Alfredo Angelo is perfect for a fall wedding. The Iridescent Taffeta will look great in pictures. Shown in Cinnamon. This dress is under $150! take a look: http://www.alfredangelo.com/Company/HomePage.aspx Foods like pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, macaroni n cheese, candied yams or sweet potatoes, savory stuffing, green beans with almonds, of course turkey (and for me, seasoned tempeh with gravy), gravy bring the fall spirit into the air. Even cool spin offs like pumpkin pie bites or turkey (tempeh) with roasted red potatoes bring the nostalgia of a thanksgiving dinner. This beautiful Centerpiece is from For You Flowers. Its amazing. "Burnt orange roses, peach carnations, bronze cushion spray chrysanthemums, rust button spray chrysanthemums, red alstroemeria and salal - accented with faux grapes and apples - are delivered in an olive pedestal bowl." Enuff said. Starting at $44.99 , the Autumn Orchard is just the centerpiece to greet folks at the door. check them out : http://www.fromyouflowers.com/ More Fall Wedding Tips: *Surprises aren't just for your B-days! Host a surprise wedding on Thanksgiving Day! Think about it...All of your folks are there, there will be an abundance of food (most thanksgiving celebrations are potluck style), And it will save you tons of money. Hire a DJ or a solo instrumentalists and have a great time. *Dont have money for flowers...then dont bother! Fall is one of those seasons where fakes can really out shine real stuff. Buy tons of autumn leaves in many colors: orange, red, gold, green, yellow and great creative at your venue site. * Faux pumpkins, golden twigs ( twigs that are spray painted with metallic gold paint), faux acorns, cranberries, baskets, wreaths...you get the point...its simple. * Fall leave cookies are great favors for guest. Leave a message saying "I've fallen for you"

Fancy Shamancy!

When you are having a bad day...I mean nothing is going right. I mean you get out of the bed, cant find your slippers, cant find your tooth brush, cant find the tooth paste. Out of milk, so no cereal (to me this is a big thing), misplaced your keys, scarred your glasses, missed your train, cant get change to ride the bus.....the list goes on. When you have those days...take a breath, relax, and remember today is just one day so enjoy it. yup I know its hard but you must try. So whats the point and where is the wedding stuff? I talk to my friends who are getting married, or are married, or know crazy brides and they all talk about money...some even cry about it. So I want to share some tips I found out about just because I love weddings, wedding magazines, the whole nine yards. Today's topic is catering/party foods: I do believe that IF you have the money you should ALWAYS go with the wedding help. Seriously, they really make your day easier its their job. The main purpose of my blog is to help those who dont have or dont want to spend the money. I think that wedding foods are really costly. But here are some ways to feed guest fancy style without the sticker shock. Pizza on Puff Pastry Why cus everyone loves pizza. Puff pastry makes pizza look fancy. Ingredients like fresh basil, tomato sauce, mozzarella, red peppers, olives, oregano, red tomatoes, spinach...really whatever you want. Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. just cut into small square let cool to room temp and tada put it out there. Dont have time try this Real Simple Recipe: START WITH: A large cheese pizza. (Ask for it unsliced and, if possible, slightly underbaked.) TO MAKE: Avoiding the crust, cut out mini pizzas with round cookie or biscuit cutters. Heat the rounds at 400º F for about 5 minutes. Top with slices of olives, marinated mushrooms, chopped prosciutto, an anchovy fillet, or fresh herbs (such as basil, flat-leaf parsley, rosemary, thyme, or oregano). http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,674552,00.html Fruit Kabobs This is super easy. I do this all the time. Get skewers, tons of them. Cut pineapples, honey dew melons, strawberries, cherries, kiwi anything that doesn't brown so apples and bananas are not good. Put pieces on the skewers and serve. Shrimp in martini glasses Put some already cooked shrimp on the sides of cocktail glasses and add a tablespoon cocktail sauce with a lemon wedge. Totally fancy! Get martini glasses from the dollar store...I will. Bruschetta The legendary Italian bread snack. Get some Italian bread top it with tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper. The key is to broil it until the cheese melts but stop when it starts to turn golden or when bread begins to blacken. 5 mins to 7 mins is enuff. Chicken tenders and/ or veggie tenders. This is the fun part. Go to a warehouse discounter, whole foods grocery store, local grocery store and buy in bulk. Obey the directions and dont use the quicker time. Put Barbue Q sauce, honey mustard sauce, hot sauce and ketchup on the side. Garnish with mint leaves. Veggie Pasta I love doing a thai peanut sauce with noodles, add peanuts, peas, yellow pepper, broccoli, coconut flakes. mix and serve. yum! Walnut Baklava I love this. Its sweet and alot of people still dont know what it is. MY RECIPE (VEGAN): A really cool desert. Get an all fruit preservative ( I love Polaner) get the fruit you wish to use ( if you have strawberry jelly also buy strawberries) buy fancy mini dairy free pastry shells ( http://www.filofactory.com/). Add a table spoon of jelly, fruit, crushed walnuts or pecans, bake for 10 min at 375.

A Rosy Outlook on Life!

I am loving the color pink!!!! I'm not girly...I like the Eagles, I love video games, I can eat faster then anyone I know and I can happily hang with only guys for the rest of my life. However, I think there is an inner women in all of us, even in men...(I have seen men run from bugs, so called macho dudes). After fighting with myself ( "I SHOULD want blue and green But I dont") and seeing other folks ( "WOW, I want that!" and "Yea...Its nice, I guess.") I finally decided to embrace my inner glam gal. So Pink and Gold it is! For all of my Past, Present and Future Pink gals this one's for you! Instead of a Inspiration Board...I decided to do an Information article! Affordable and Just Fab Pink Stuff for Your Shindig! Ann's Bridal Bargains Soft Pastel Pink Invitations - $ 78.00 for 100! Outer Envelope with Printed Return Address and Optional Liner - $37 for 100! I LOVE ETSY...I FOUND ANOTHER JEWELRY SHOP I LOVE! Zahour! Made by the fab Nicole Zahour, this rose gold ring is just beautiful. I love the heart its the best way to wear your heart on your sleeve. Of course the price is great only $150 with a choice of yellow gold, and silver. This dress is super fab! Its affordable and beautiful. Its from David's Bridal. Priced at $155, I think its super cute plus its a style that any gal can wear again. I love the bubble hem and the color Azelea. They have many more dresses and sales at Davids Bridal! This dress is from Delias. Its super cute with a bow right in front. The Michelle Dress is priced at a mere $54.50! Again its a wearable style. Vegan Pink Cupcakes. I plan on having pink vegan cupcakes with sprinkles and different kinds of pink. This one is Strawberry Shortcake, YUM! Get the recipe at: http://thevoraciousvegan.blogspot.com/2008/03/strawberry-shortcake-cupcakes.html Pink Lemonade is a great way to incorporate your love for pink...I will have pink lemonade at my party please believe it. This recipe is great if you want a signature cocktail. Get the recipe at : http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1736842_1583520,00.html This lovely table is a great example of pink decor. The amazing artists at Tic-Tock Couture Florals in Los Angeles made this centerpiece for a wedding. Its so beautiful. http://www.tictock.com/ Ann Ruthmann is a wonderful photographer.period. As soon as I saw this I had to feature it in my blog. Ann has put the art back into photography. Check her out : http://www.anneruthmann.com/ Thank you and love ya!

Ready Made weddings!

So much goes into planning a wedding. Flowers, the cake, the dress, the waiter staff, the venue etc as the list goes on. Its enough to drive anyone insane. So Today I want to make it easier. Why? Because not everyone is a DIY genius. Because your wedding should be the happiest day of your life. Because thats what I'm writing about...darn it!

so here we go!

1. Destination: NO HEADACHE!

As you know destination weddings are the biggest craze. Beautiful beaches, soothing water and everything already done is what to expect when you say "oui" to a destination wedding. The quest is not to go into debt and although most cruises are "affordable" it takes the internet savvy to find the best deals. My advice: BOOK EARLY! Its important, two ladies can be on the same boat and one could've spent thousands while the other booked early and spend a few hundreds. Same boat , two different ladies...it makes a difference. trust me.

Here are some good deals for the anti DIYers:

The Ships:

Carnival Fun Ships.

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/weddings/destination_weddings.aspx

http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/weddings/shipboard_weddings.aspx

Have your wedding shipboard or pick a destination, either way is good with Carnival. With Packages starting $1,195 depending on the ship and ports, it meets the Under $2000 wedding requirement. Packages include pretty much everything: "ceremony preformed by a non denominational officiant, bridal bouquet with matching boutonniere for the groom, wedding cake with keepsake topper" and more! Call the "Fun Ship" Wedding Department at 1-800-933-4968 or email: weddings@carnival.com! Score!

Another cruise option is Royal Caribbean Cruises.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experience/html.do;jsessionid=00009WFjXR9BRv4RFT2vJkkXNDG:12hbiocak?exCode=547&shipCode=EX

Wanna try rock climbing on a Rock Climbing Wall or ice skating in the ice skating rink? How about getting married like a celebrity on an Alaskan glacier? With Royal Caribbean Cruise you can get do it at an affordable price. Most packages start at $1395.oo which again gets the seal of Under $2000 wedding approval.

There are tons more but you gotta look.

Resorts and Hotel Packages:

Sandals Resort

http://www.sandals.com/general/wedding-packages.cfm

There are so many packages here its crazy! Having a small event try a free wedding. For Real, when you stay six nights(your honeymoon,hello) ...your wedding is FREE with the WeddingMoon package. Want a luxury wedding? Try Preston Bailey's Floral Elegance Collection for $1700. Preston Bailey a well known legend in the wedding industry put his personal touches in each collection. Also you can try the Signature Wedding Package start $1,600(in Jamaica and $1700 in other island) which includes Personal Wedding Consultant, Beautiful Setting for a Reception, Professional Videography of Ceremony & Reception (Standard DVD), Chef's Selection of Caribbean Inspired Hors d' Oeuvres (For Bride, Groom and two guests) and more! Awesome!

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Aruba & Jamaica

http://www.caribbeanhi.com/weddings/

If you book a minimum of seven nights (again a typical honeymoon) your wedding is free at either locations! At Montego Bay the Island Wedding Package is only $450! It includes the minister, preparation of legal fees and documents, on site wedding coordinator's service, and more. At Aruba, the wedding packages start at $800! Score!

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort

http://www.bolongobay.com/html/wedpkg.html

If you dont have time to get your passport together try Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas. All you need is an I.D. and proof of citizenship. Wedding packages start at $1000 here. A good venue with little hassle.

Viva Las Vegas!

Known for their quick and convenient weddings, Las Vegas is a great place to get married if you just don't have the time, money, or desire the hassle of planning your own wedding.

First Stop is the Artisan Hotel. The Artisan Hotel is asmall yet utterly beautiful boutique hotel. Despite the lack of a casino. Its Vegas' first all inclusive resort. Wine receptions for all guest daily and the building is fabulous. Here $1,100 (plus $60 minister fee and $40 photographer gratuity fee) will get you a beautiful wedding in a lush garden. Limo, 100 digital pictures on a cd, two bottles of champagne, wedding coordinator, photographer fee included, brides choice of flower bouquet and more. Awesome deal for under $2000.

http://www.theartisanhotel.com/

I WILL ADD MORE DEALS LATER TILL THEN LOVE YA !